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Winged Guardians #1
A Killing Moon
She’s a wily Raven, former spy and though she’s a bird, she’s smart, cunning, and has yet to confront a problem she can’t run over or shoot her way out of. Skills that as corporate fixer hired to do all manner of things has served Cora Westgate well until she is asked to protect a man from her past, His Royal Highness Finnegan O’Casey, second in line to shifter throne.
No problem, except she has to do it without his knowledge.
The assignment goes from hard to difficult to impossible.
At least until she becomes reacquainted with Finn. He’s charming, sweet, royalty and worse yet, into her in a way that sings of future promises. He’s exactly what she doesn’t have room for in this assignment or her life.
Finn is a werewolf prince with a problem. Several of them, actually, his brother’s impending coronation being the largest at the moment, followed closely by his father dying and this random sexy Corvid woman dropping into his life and blowing it all to hell. All his problems seem to melt away though when he's holding the sexy Cora in his arms.
From lovers to allies to unwilling allies and back, this promises to be a wild ride through the palace full of hijinks, familial obstacles, and treason and for this prince and his knight with a shiny Glock.
No problem, except she has to do it without his knowledge.
The assignment goes from hard to difficult to impossible.
At least until she becomes reacquainted with Finn. He’s charming, sweet, royalty and worse yet, into her in a way that sings of future promises. He’s exactly what she doesn’t have room for in this assignment or her life.
Finn is a werewolf prince with a problem. Several of them, actually, his brother’s impending coronation being the largest at the moment, followed closely by his father dying and this random sexy Corvid woman dropping into his life and blowing it all to hell. All his problems seem to melt away though when he's holding the sexy Cora in his arms.
From lovers to allies to unwilling allies and back, this promises to be a wild ride through the palace full of hijinks, familial obstacles, and treason and for this prince and his knight with a shiny Glock.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2019
95 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 17, 2019
Excellent Series Start
Craig has a series hit on her hands here. I thoroughly enjoyed the palace intrigue that brought Cora and Finn together. Craig's worldbuilding is amazing--deeply developed and well executed. Her characters are engaging and their interactions with each other entertaining. I'm looking forward to learning more about the world and characters in the other books in her series. This is a highly recommended read by a talented author.
Craig has a series hit on her hands here. I thoroughly enjoyed the palace intrigue that brought Cora and Finn together. Craig's worldbuilding is amazing--deeply developed and well executed. Her characters are engaging and their interactions with each other entertaining. I'm looking forward to learning more about the world and characters in the other books in her series. This is a highly recommended read by a talented author.
November 14, 2019
ONE OUTSTANDING TREAT!!!
Intensely exciting! Alexis seizes the dynamics, lays the foundation and stabilizes the form with this rough and tumble treat that spins so intricately and interweaves with such precision it blasts this baby to life flawlessly. This bad boy showcases 100% on point realism, kicking up a churning vortex chocked-full of daunting circumstances and a bevy of surprising happenstance that keep you flipping page after page. Pushing on-ward, coping with the trials and tribulations struggling with all the drama, skepticism, intrigue, danger and suspense as tension spirals, blasting this baby into tailspin with unbelievable impacts. Add anxiety, turmoil and distress and you have one intense rollercoaster ride. The chemistry is intense, sizzling and palpable. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that feels like you're right there with them. Amazing job Alexis, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Intensely exciting! Alexis seizes the dynamics, lays the foundation and stabilizes the form with this rough and tumble treat that spins so intricately and interweaves with such precision it blasts this baby to life flawlessly. This bad boy showcases 100% on point realism, kicking up a churning vortex chocked-full of daunting circumstances and a bevy of surprising happenstance that keep you flipping page after page. Pushing on-ward, coping with the trials and tribulations struggling with all the drama, skepticism, intrigue, danger and suspense as tension spirals, blasting this baby into tailspin with unbelievable impacts. Add anxiety, turmoil and distress and you have one intense rollercoaster ride. The chemistry is intense, sizzling and palpable. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with depth and qualities that blend and flow. The personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that feels like you're right there with them. Amazing job Alexis, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
December 7, 2019
This was my first Alexis D. Craig novel, but it won’t be my last. What a pleasure to find a real page-turner that grabs you by the wrist and hauls you into a kingdom ripe with intrigue. Usually, in a run of the mill romance, the tension is built around the sex. In this tale, the romance, and the sex flirts in and out of the action. Did I mention a constant sit up in your chair tension?
The characters are really likable; enough to make the reader invested, and the payoff is well worth it. The story is great, the fantasy is not bogged down in long swatches of explanation and rules. There’s a natural flow that happens when a book is delivered by a skilled artist.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be whisked away and entertained by a first-rate writer with a story to tell. I’m going to read more by this writer and after reading A Killing Moon I suspect others will too.
The characters are really likable; enough to make the reader invested, and the payoff is well worth it. The story is great, the fantasy is not bogged down in long swatches of explanation and rules. There’s a natural flow that happens when a book is delivered by a skilled artist.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be whisked away and entertained by a first-rate writer with a story to tell. I’m going to read more by this writer and after reading A Killing Moon I suspect others will too.
November 10, 2019
I received an ARC for this book. Let me be honest the prologue had me thinking this was just a book focused on sex with no story and I almost stopped reading it, but boy am I glad I held on. The heroine is no joke. She has faced adversity and lived life with a no holds barred attitude. A baddie with a gun and a cause? Ok, so she is everything and I kinda want to be like her when I grow up. You see her sharp edges, her vulnerabilities and her heart all while taking down anyone that stands between her objective.
The story isn’t typical which is honestly refreshing. A few unexpected surprises were in store. I wasn’t disappointed in the ending even though the story isn’t completely over, it doesn’t leave you flat. All in all, I would actually love to see past stories of how Cora got to be who she is now. Definitely looking forward to the next edition in this series and how everything turns out.
The story isn’t typical which is honestly refreshing. A few unexpected surprises were in store. I wasn’t disappointed in the ending even though the story isn’t completely over, it doesn’t leave you flat. All in all, I would actually love to see past stories of how Cora got to be who she is now. Definitely looking forward to the next edition in this series and how everything turns out.
November 10, 2019
First: I was given early access to an ARC of A KILLING MOON for review purposes.
Second: WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL???? Oh, golly, the ending of the book came WAY too fast and I loved all of it. Sassy, sexy as hell, hilarious, world-building, character-driven, twisty, and a very fun blending of real world and shifter world.
Loved it and definitely recommend!
Second: WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL???? Oh, golly, the ending of the book came WAY too fast and I loved all of it. Sassy, sexy as hell, hilarious, world-building, character-driven, twisty, and a very fun blending of real world and shifter world.
Loved it and definitely recommend!
Read
June 12, 2022DNF 40% in. Wanted to like it, just didn't do anything for me. Also too much head-hopping within sections that are supposed to be from one specific person's point of view.
November 20, 2019
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam:🔥🔥
Feels: 😏😲🤔☠️😎😱
~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty: Spies, palace intrigue, attempted murder, scandals, betrayal and 🔥🔥🔥
Cora is a raven shifter and freelance former spy who has been hired to protect Finnegan O’Casey, second in line to the throne of House Lupine; a kingdom wherein the king is ailing and the heir to the throne is Finn’s cruel older brother, Brendan. Finn doesn’t realize Cora is actually a blast from his past, but even when that secret is brought to light, neither can deny that the chemistry between them is 🔥🔥🔥. As they spend more time together, Cora’s motives for protecting Finn change from purely professional to something more. And as they work together to expose Brendan for the murderous tyrant he is, the plan they employ to sabotage Brendan’s plans backfires on them, but in the most spectacular way that will change both of their lives (and the future of the series)!
Such a fun book! This first book is setting up the series to be action-packed, suspenseful and sexy. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance
Location: Massachusetts
MC age range: unsure; late 20s - mid 30s
Lead: Cora Westgate (Raven)
Love interest(s): Finn O’Casey (Wolf)
Tear jerker: No
HEA: HFN
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: 381 pgs
Publisher: Self published
Audible: No
Series: Winged Guardians
1. A Killing Moon - released 11/14/19
~QD🔥~
Sex/kink type: Manual, oral, penetrative,
Possible triggers: Explicit violence, gore, murder, scene alluding to incest (not main characters), familial betrayal, pregnancy
~CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA~
November 15, 2019
A suspenseful, action pack, romantic paranormal story that was highly entertaining to read and review. This was my first book I read by this author about Finn, Prince of House Lupine and Cora Westgate, raven shifter guard. Finn's brother Brendan is about to be crowned as king, but there are attempts on Finn's life and Cora is assigned to guard and protect. Cora and Finn investigate to find who is responsible and during their investigation their attraction between them grows. Can they find the culprit? Will their romance bring more danger to them? ARC
November 17, 2019
OMG!! Cora.....Gurrrl!!!!!
Been looking for a good paranormal read for a bit. Found this.....OMG!!!! This book has everything that I was searching for: a strong, kickass heroine that just does it for me!! I 💖Cora!!! A surprisingly sweet and lovable hero, that falls for his knight in tight ass pencil skirts. Can I just say that I don't know what I am going to do until the next book comes out!?!? Please, Please, don't let it be too long!!!?
Been looking for a good paranormal read for a bit. Found this.....OMG!!!! This book has everything that I was searching for: a strong, kickass heroine that just does it for me!! I 💖Cora!!! A surprisingly sweet and lovable hero, that falls for his knight in tight ass pencil skirts. Can I just say that I don't know what I am going to do until the next book comes out!?!? Please, Please, don't let it be too long!!!?
November 12, 2019
Wrong doings, cover ups, secrets,Finnegan was struggling with the passing, of a love one he was once close to. His father wasn't up to his standards. Coretta Westgate didn't take the chance, to be up front with Finnegan about who. why, she is for the sake of the prince, before accepting the assignment.Finnegan and Brendan are going face to face to see who will have authority to their country.
I received an review copy,voluntarily but this my review
I received an review copy,voluntarily but this my review
December 1, 2019
Nay
This was a veru good book.It flowed really well.I loved how they just clicked and that damn surprise at the end with her really being pregnant omg. I can't wait for the next part
This was a veru good book.It flowed really well.I loved how they just clicked and that damn surprise at the end with her really being pregnant omg. I can't wait for the next part
November 11, 2019
The author has given us characters that we can care about. Cora, the ultimate guard, is hired to protect the life of Finn, Prince of House Lupine. While protecting the Prince, they realize they have a connection and both get carried away. Hopefully she will be able to keep him safe and get a happily ever after.
November 15, 2019
Really good
A solid piece of writing with a good story, good characters, and decently written with very few typos. I really enjoyed it.
A solid piece of writing with a good story, good characters, and decently written with very few typos. I really enjoyed it.
November 18, 2019
Absolutely fabulous!!!
Alexis has a wonderful way of wrapping you in her story so that you forget the rest of the world. I can't wait for the next book!!!!
Alexis has a wonderful way of wrapping you in her story so that you forget the rest of the world. I can't wait for the next book!!!!
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January 9, 2020Loved this book
February 14, 2020
Fun and action-packed! Note: Received an ARC from Romance Rehab/Romance Remedy, which didn't impact my review in any way.
September 22, 2020
2020 Golden Leaf nominee
This was a bit all over the place with no clear explanations.
This was a bit all over the place with no clear explanations.
May 26, 2021
Entertains
*****Spoilers*****
Middle of the road is where this one must stay. The ending was especially frustrating because it was like walking straight off of a cliff right after you clear a jungle. After cooking up a scheme to expose Finn's brother Brendan as the person trying to kill him in which Finn and Cora pretend a pregnancy and are planning a wedding, we find out Cora is actually pregnant and Finn is the crown prince all in the last few lines...and then the book is over. The next book in the series appears to be about someone else so I'm guessing Cora and Finn are tied in there somewhere. But I don't want to read that, just want to see what happens with Cora and Finn. It was jarring and since I'm not interested in the next book with different characters at the forefront, I'll never know how theirs ends. It was almost enough to make me drop the ranking to a 2.
Cora has layers. So many, it's interesting to see them play out as her real identity becomes known. A couple of times I found myself skeptical of who she was supposed to be, the writing didn't quite make it believable that she's a super covert operative whose underwear drawer can be so easily opened to reveal her alternate identities. It seemed like an amateurish mistake though it worked well in the book because it forced Cora to come clean to Finn about who she was before more developed between them. Finn was similar in that he's the third in line to the wolf throne and a predator but is more beta than I would have expected and less of those personality traits seen of those used to being in charge. It was different that the lead male wasn't an alpha or firm in the ways I would normally expect. I was often thrown off by how soft Finn was and especially in contrast to Cora. It worked for them and most everything else was pretty easy between them, really too easy it felt at times. Even Brendan didn't really seem all that sinister, more a calamitous foe than anything else.
*****Spoilers*****
Middle of the road is where this one must stay. The ending was especially frustrating because it was like walking straight off of a cliff right after you clear a jungle. After cooking up a scheme to expose Finn's brother Brendan as the person trying to kill him in which Finn and Cora pretend a pregnancy and are planning a wedding, we find out Cora is actually pregnant and Finn is the crown prince all in the last few lines...and then the book is over. The next book in the series appears to be about someone else so I'm guessing Cora and Finn are tied in there somewhere. But I don't want to read that, just want to see what happens with Cora and Finn. It was jarring and since I'm not interested in the next book with different characters at the forefront, I'll never know how theirs ends. It was almost enough to make me drop the ranking to a 2.
Cora has layers. So many, it's interesting to see them play out as her real identity becomes known. A couple of times I found myself skeptical of who she was supposed to be, the writing didn't quite make it believable that she's a super covert operative whose underwear drawer can be so easily opened to reveal her alternate identities. It seemed like an amateurish mistake though it worked well in the book because it forced Cora to come clean to Finn about who she was before more developed between them. Finn was similar in that he's the third in line to the wolf throne and a predator but is more beta than I would have expected and less of those personality traits seen of those used to being in charge. It was different that the lead male wasn't an alpha or firm in the ways I would normally expect. I was often thrown off by how soft Finn was and especially in contrast to Cora. It worked for them and most everything else was pretty easy between them, really too easy it felt at times. Even Brendan didn't really seem all that sinister, more a calamitous foe than anything else.
May 9, 2020
When you're a lupine prince and second-in-line to the ailing king, life is one long series of potentially lethal cock blocks.
The hero/heroine characters are authentic and generally likable with an ongoing thread of frisson that boils over at the beginning and stays on simmer for a healthy length of time. Because, as I mentioned above, the lupine Prince is in a bit of trouble and only Cora Westgate (a bad-ass corvid shifter) can keep him safe.
The world needs more love. And definitely more stories featuring non-white protagonists. Kudos to Lexie Craig for her well-crafted and engaging paranormal romance.
The hero/heroine characters are authentic and generally likable with an ongoing thread of frisson that boils over at the beginning and stays on simmer for a healthy length of time. Because, as I mentioned above, the lupine Prince is in a bit of trouble and only Cora Westgate (a bad-ass corvid shifter) can keep him safe.
The world needs more love. And definitely more stories featuring non-white protagonists. Kudos to Lexie Craig for her well-crafted and engaging paranormal romance.
July 17, 2020
This was...
....the BOMB! First and foremost literacy and the love of wordplay had always drawn me into reading. This had so many, I'm jealous of how creative Ms. Craig is. I'm not giving none spoiler away. You have to read and find out yourself how amazing book one is, now onto book 2! Onwards!!!
....the BOMB! First and foremost literacy and the love of wordplay had always drawn me into reading. This had so many, I'm jealous of how creative Ms. Craig is. I'm not giving none spoiler away. You have to read and find out yourself how amazing book one is, now onto book 2! Onwards!!!
January 12, 2021
Great Read!
I’ve rarely read about Corvid / Avian shifters. Not only is Cora Corvid, she’s also a dangerous brown skinned human. She’s not here to play with fools. I knew I’d like this book by chapter two. There were funny parts and sexy time. Good pacing. And I feel in love with the characters along the way. On to the next book!
I’ve rarely read about Corvid / Avian shifters. Not only is Cora Corvid, she’s also a dangerous brown skinned human. She’s not here to play with fools. I knew I’d like this book by chapter two. There were funny parts and sexy time. Good pacing. And I feel in love with the characters along the way. On to the next book!
May 10, 2023
I loved this read. The story of a bad@$$ Raven shifter who works as a mercenary/PI with an assignment that’ll change her life: keep the Royal Prince of wolf shifters alive. It would be simple if they didn’t fall for each other. There’s fun bits of detective noir, romance, and political intrigue. Very spice page turner.
August 11, 2023
Amazing first book in a must read series!! Characters have fabulous depth, the story quickly sucks you in, and the dialogue will have you cheering and giggling straight away. I love how Alexis writes incredibly strong women with real desires and no apologies 💪💪 And the men...ooooh lordy... Soo tasty!!
Grab this novel at your peril because you'll *need* the next one in the series right away 😎
Grab this novel at your peril because you'll *need* the next one in the series right away 😎
January 31, 2024
So good!
So, so good!
A new author that I can't wait to read more from!
I loved the world building, the different types of shifters.
I loved the gender role reversals.
It made for more fully rounded characters that weren't stale tropes.
Finn & Cora are so great. She's badass, and he's the sweetest.
So, so good!
A new author that I can't wait to read more from!
I loved the world building, the different types of shifters.
I loved the gender role reversals.
It made for more fully rounded characters that weren't stale tropes.
Finn & Cora are so great. She's badass, and he's the sweetest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2020
Perfection
This is probably the most complete, perfect piece of shifter art I’ve ever read. The blending of human and shifter was seamless, the writing quick-witted. And Cora was a badass in Chanel. Literally an amazing story. Can’t wait for part 2.
This is probably the most complete, perfect piece of shifter art I’ve ever read. The blending of human and shifter was seamless, the writing quick-witted. And Cora was a badass in Chanel. Literally an amazing story. Can’t wait for part 2.
March 5, 2020
So good!
I really didn’t know what to expect but this story was well written and entertaining. I enjoyed it so much. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I really didn’t know what to expect but this story was well written and entertaining. I enjoyed it so much. I can’t wait to read the next book!
February 6, 2023
Great book
Ooo my god this book was so awesome. I can't wait to read the next book. I hope this series is a great as the first one.
Ooo my god this book was so awesome. I can't wait to read the next book. I hope this series is a great as the first one.
September 10, 2023
amazing
What an amazing story.
This is magical shifters meet realism and royalty done to the absolute perfection. The way Cora, Finn, Vasi and all the other characters are fleshed out is just stunning, I could picture them and their animal counterparts so clearly.
The story is full of intrigue and mystery, you never know what’s behind the next corner. But I also really loved how we as readers knew what was behind the corner, it made this so much more delicious. Having the villain POV was so so good.
The chemistry and love between Cora and Finn was very tangible and I really enjoyed how they handled each and every curveball. Yes, there was hurt there but also they spoke it out like adults and actually kept their cards pretty open (like Cora said, no lies does not mean confess all. That wouldn’t have made any sense).
The final twist was good and I’m glad we got the HFN but I’m also hoping that we meet these two lovebirds later as well because I don’t want their story to end. It was that good of a story.
What an amazing story.
This is magical shifters meet realism and royalty done to the absolute perfection. The way Cora, Finn, Vasi and all the other characters are fleshed out is just stunning, I could picture them and their animal counterparts so clearly.
The story is full of intrigue and mystery, you never know what’s behind the next corner. But I also really loved how we as readers knew what was behind the corner, it made this so much more delicious. Having the villain POV was so so good.
The chemistry and love between Cora and Finn was very tangible and I really enjoyed how they handled each and every curveball. Yes, there was hurt there but also they spoke it out like adults and actually kept their cards pretty open (like Cora said, no lies does not mean confess all. That wouldn’t have made any sense).
The final twist was good and I’m glad we got the HFN but I’m also hoping that we meet these two lovebirds later as well because I don’t want their story to end. It was that good of a story.
November 26, 2022
Loving the first book and starting second. The book was hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews